Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

Simply use the selector below to search our trip reviews and start reading real feedback from real Exodus travellers who have ‘been there and done that’!

Lots of our clients also like to post handy tips and advice about their travels. It’s great to know what to expect on an Exodus adventure before you go, so make the most of their experience and you’ll make the most of yours!

Haven’t posted your review yet? Here’s how to do it…

Once you return from your Exodus adventure holiday, you will be emailed a link to add your review. Any feedback collected is posted onto our website, totally unedited.

Alternatively you can navigate to the relevant trip page and add your review via the Reviews tab.

Select a trip specific review:

Select

14259 Reviews

4.7 out of 5

Reviewed January 2013

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: KVITAVATN

An exceptional trip with inspirational instruction….even for a rank beginner with no skiing experience at all.

Most Inspirational Moment

I had several inspirational moments. The first was the moment when I first managed to stay upright on skis on the first day, the second was skiing out over Kvitavatn lake, then in turn the moment when I managed to herring bone uphill successfully, to snowplough downhill under control, telemarks to provide better stability, and the first run without an instructor around the ski tracks. Skiing in a force 9 gale was pretty exhiliarating too!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ilse was amazing. She is hugely talented, incredibly patient and knows exactly when a word of praise or a word of criticism will be most appropriate. Several times when I was struggling with something she would pay me a compliment that lifted my mood entirely, equally she never let go something that I was doing badly (pole position for general propulsion mostly!) if she thought I could improve it. Full of energy and enthusiasm, she was inspirational.Chris was also great - very different in style, he would talk us through an ascent/descent then leave us to make some decisions about how to approach the obstacle so that we had to think independently about what we were doing. He was never too far away to come back and rescue me from various trees, snow drifts and ski contortions when I managed to hit them but it gave a real sense of achievement when something went well...because you'd done it right. He picked me up out of more piles of snow than anyone should have to do, but always with a smile. He was also great when I gave myself a minor injury on the final day, and got me back to the lodge not only in one piece, but cheerful and with a sense of achievement.At the end of the week we were presented with a disc of photos taken for us where quite a few of us were not taking many through a) fear of crushing the camera b) concentration on skiing or c) being in a snow drift, so we have a great record of the week. I cannot rate the leaders highly enough at Kvitavatn and I can't wait to book again for the coming season.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Cross country skiing makes everything hot - don't dress for downhill or you'll bake. Light layers are a must. Do take a flask, mittens are a winner and most of all definitely take gaiters and waterproofs if you are a beginner. You will fall over......maybe not as much as me, but you will fall, and staying dry is the key to enjoying your trip. Take the smallest day pack you can manage (flask, lunch, layer, camera - you don't need much else) to keep your balance under control. I also took my yak tracks (for gripping ice when walking around) which I found really useful when it got slippery around the Fjellstoge towards the end of the week. Not falling down off skis was a desirable state of affairs given the opportunities for falling over on skis!Inevitably snow conditions vary (we had a couple of warm and therefore very slippery days) and this can be a bit frustrating, but the leaders are very good at picking out the best possible activities for the conditions. You'll get a lot out of the trip.

Reviewed January 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

Beautiful and very varied scenery; great cycling, great food and always something to see. The traffic is not as daunting as it first seems.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching hairpin bend 1 on the Ooty climb and finding out the road still goes up!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Safi was good; could have asked a little more what we wanted eg. getting to the beach and then we had to wait and eat hot chips before we could go for a swim!

Advice for Potential Travellers

From reading some of the other reviews...it's a Moderate-Challenging cycling trip; that means you should be able to ride a bike, some distance, change gears, ride in traffic and, hopefully, not fall off. The traffic was daunting at first (day 1 returning into Mysore in the dark) but you soon learn that it works, they merge and give way when they need to.

Reviewed January 2013

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - LEMOSHO ROUTE

A very succesful and well organised trek

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sun rise as we approached the crater rim and thinking we were close to the summit after nearly 8 days of hard treking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He inspired confidence, was well respected by everyone and kept a close eye on the group to ensure any problems were quickly dealt with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take plenty of long walks preferably over hilly terrain.Take damp wipes for personal hygiene.

Reviewed January 2013

KILIMANJARO CLIMB - LEMOSHO ROUTE

Once you’ve completed this challenge it will probably rank among the greatest moments in your life – it does for me.

Most Inspirational Moment

Well, reaching the summit Uhuru Peak as the sun popped its head above the crater rim is about as good as it gets. When you come down from the summit physically and mentally to catch you breath and reflect on what's just happened then reality sets in on what you, the team and the guides have just made happen. All 11 of us in our group made it to Uhuru Peak, we supported each other as did the fastastic Tanzanian team of guides and porters. I've come away with some new friends and a deep humble respect for the Tanzanian team that did everything they could to help us on our journey to the top.At some point you'll realise how different a way of life it is for the people of Tanzania, economically there's a huge difference between us, but are we any the better for it? I don't think so, I can't wait to go back and experience more of what East Africa has to offer.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Charles is one of those outstanding people you occasionally have the fortune to meet in your life. Respected and admired by everyone on the mountain. Great guy, really good at his job. If I was going on a similar adventure again in the future I'd go out of my way to ask for Charles at the group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do a lot of trekking back home before you leave with the equipment you plan to use on Kilimanjaro. You can't really prepare yourself for the altitude, but if you get fit in the gear you are going to use then you know it works and it'll help a bit.Weigh your gear before you leave, make sure you are under the 15kg limit with all the gear you expect to have in your Exodus kit bag.

Reviewed January 2013

A TASTE OF CUBA

Wonderful tour taking in the best Cuba has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking the streets of Havana, experiencing the old world charm and attending a Cuban disco where you see local people enjoying themselves in an almost tourist free environment.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic - She knew all relevent information and was extremely pleasant and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go there before Fidel dies as Cuba still retains that old world feel, free of multinational organisations and brands. I could see the changes in freeing up the restrictions on Cuban people so I would recommend going sooner rather than later.

Reviewed January 2013

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF CORSICA

Satisfies the desire to climb mountains on an island with a colourful history of bandits especially before the rule of its most famous son, Napoleon, without sacrificing the comforts of a family run hotel or the pleasures of the local village bar and bakery. Energy expenditure well balanced with time for relaxation and enjoying the pace of village life plus time to explore Ajaccio on day off.

Most Inspirational Moment

Opening the window of my room onto the view of the mountains in brilliant sunshine and blue skies on day 1 creating the feeling "it doesn't get any better than this" .....but it did! Finding so many "glass half full" like minded people in the group

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rudi was an excellent leader- friendly, helpful, patient and balanced his time across the group very well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack your swimmers as it was still very warm in September

Reviewed January 2013

THE INCA TRAIL

For me this was a Dream of a Lifetime, since I was 11 years old and learned about it in a geography lesson, I always wanted to go on the Inca Trail. It lived up to all my expectations and more, an unforgettable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being told by everyone that I was amazing, inspirational,brave, super fit by the team and even complete strangers we met on the trek. I thrived on this and although it was challenging at times I was more than ever determined to complete it.Being given a standing ovation by the rest of the team and the porters when I arrtived in camp at the highest point Winay Wayna 4150m ( it means forever young female) and since everyone else was about half my age I did feel proud to have done this. Similar experience at the Sun Gate after climbing those practically vertical steps having abandoned my trekking poles and did on all fours hands and knees, many photos were taken.Was presented with the tee shirt 'I survived the Inca Trail' at Machu Pichu, by our guide Juan. Willl treasure it forever.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was excellent he explained in clear detail the days' proceedings and also gave descriptions of interesting features on the way. He was extremely knowledgable about the whole area.For me personally he was very encouraging, he said I was his 'challenge'!!! Often he would help by carrying my day pack. Also on the cold camping nughts gave me his hot water bottle!!He should share in the achievement as without his help and encouragement I may not have 'survived'

Advice for Potential Travellers

I trained for about a year prior to going because I knew that as an older member it would be challenging. This paid off and I think even younger persons should do some kind of training. Most people felt it was a bit more than 'Moderate'.The mantra for going upwards was attitude not altitude and for coming down concentrate.I found going up I got breathless so you need to try and increase your lung capacity. Coming down I was fine as I do not have any knee problems. Overall try and increase your stamina and endurance.

Reviewed January 2013

CYCLE INDOCHINA & ANGKOR

A great way to see Indochina and it was a holiday I will not forget. In fact, I will now do more tours this way.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the sun rise over Angkor Wat was probably the one of the main highlights. This wasn't really part of the tour, but suggested by the guides as optional, who then organized to have a 'taxi' waiting at 5 am. It was INCREDIBLE!! But all the time we spent in Angkor Wat was amazing. Definitely is one of the 7 wonders of the world.Going to see the students at the School for underprivileged children in Cambodia was very insightful. Great kids! The Mekong home-stay was really fun as well as the riding around the Delta... would have liked that to last 2 nights it was so good! The family were lovely.The local people, especially the kids that would rush out and say HELLO and wave when you could cycle past...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Al was with us all the way from Bangkok. Always ready and willing to help and full of knowledge about history, food, where to get odd and ends etc... Always with calm, with a smile and made sure you didn't have to worry about anything.Fila, our Cambodian guide was GREAT especially with the tours around the temples in Angkor Wat. He is passionate about his country and for its future. He was keen that we tried all the specialities of the Cambodian cuisine and I am pleased that he did. There is some great food! Or Vietnamese guide was good too, but after Fila, he had big shoes to step into...

Advice for Potential Travellers

This tour is set up for all levels... you just do what you can at your speed. There is no stress if you aren't very fast and the speedy ones race ahead, but always waiting at the next stop.There are regular breaks and the support teams always ready with food and drinks waiting for us. The support teams in each country made sure that the bike was ready for you in the morning and at the end of the day packed it up for you. As well as loading and unloading your luggage at the hotels. You almost didn't have to lift a finger to do anything... Apart from the cycling it was a relaxing holiday as you are so well looked after by the guides and teams.You are in Asia and it will rain... get used to it. It cools you down, and then you get dry in the warmth. I would not say that it was a down point... It is a change from the heat and sweat.Make sure you wear padded pants.

Reviewed January 2013

ATLAS PANORAMA

A good introduction to Morocco. Blessed by fantastic weather the trip was a great (short) escape from the doom and gloom of the UK. Marrakech was busy, vibrant and fun; the slower pace of life in the mountains was a complete contrast. Not many spending opportunities and no-one seemed to miss the typical UK Christmas excess. Hot showers at the gite and freshly cooked delicious food. Even became accustomed to the morning porridge and herb teas.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many. Negotiating the souks - still not sure how I managed to find my way out! The amazing mosaics on the walls and floors of the kasbahs and palaces. Haggling over the price of a taxi journey to save maybe 50p! Walking in the mountains. The delicious al fresco lunches prepared and delivered by one man on his donkey on two of the walking days. Spotting birds I'd never seen before (it helped that there was a great great birder on the trip - thankyou Joe!). Eating Christmas cake on the terrace as the sun went down (brought by one of the group to share).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Hassan wonderful. He was very welcoming and friendly from the moment he met us all at the airport. As well as guiding us on the walks he worked hard in the gite, serving us meals, arranging a heater and in lots of subtle ways was genuinely kind and helpful throughout the trip. He made sure that everyone was catered for.However, the guide in Marrakesh (Mohammed) was not so impressive. There was no "orientation" included as part of the guided tour. Very disappointing. We were taken to two retail emporiums - one a pharmacy were we were given a hard sell demonstration of various lotions and potions - the other a carpet place where they trapped a number of the group and tried to sell their wares. I can only assume that these were the places that offered the best commission to the guide.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There isn't that much walking - only 2.5 days of walking in the mountains plus an hour up to the gite and back again on the first and last days. A lot of spare time in Marrakesh, but that may have been down to the flight times. Some of the group managed to fit in a massage and hammam on return to Marrakesh. Haggle everywhere. Cold in the gite at night. We saw very little of the community; a few people working in the fields and children playing on their way back from school. Go for tea at the Berber house. It gives you the opportunity to see into a typical yard and understand a little of what goes on behind the locked doors and gates. Bonus - we sampled some delicious cakes and fresh local nuts.Take earplugs. Go soon.

Reviewed January 2013

KERALA & TROPICAL INDIA

An amazing holiday – full of wonderful experiences.

Most Inspirational Moment

How can I pick? Every day was different... cycling through busy towns full of rickshaws and cows - to quiet villages where happy, smiling children rushed to say hello; through tea plantations in the hilly areas to beautiful stretches along side sandy beaches fringed with palm trees; from a long, challenging climb up a very big hill to a wonderful relaxing day drifting down the Keralan backwaters in our own luxury boat. Curries of every description - sadly an Indian take away will never be the same again!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was excellent: very knowledgeable, informative and helpful - as was our cycling leader ( a great character) and our brilliant van driver who sorted out all our problems with a smile on his face.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Distances were quite long compared to other Exodus trips we've been on - but this suited us well and the van was there should you have wanted to use it.

Prev 1 … 1,173 1,174 1,175 1,176 1,177 … 1,426 Next